These homemade brownies with chocolate chips are so delicious you will get requests for them over and over again. These are gooey fudgy chocolate chip brownies, not the cake-like style. The brownies boasts extra chocolate flavor too, thanks to the added chocolate chips both in the batter and on top of the brownies. Honestly, these are some of the best brownies I've ever tasted and this is sure to become your go-to brownie recipe.
There is no need for box mix, when you can make this easy homemade brownie recipe. These luscious brownie bars use basic pantry ingredients, you may already have on-hand. Brownies like these are fresher, more customizable, and taste so much better than any box brownies. Unlike a boxed brownie mix, this from-scratch recipe delivers superior flavor, texture, and freshness, making it well worth the minimal extra effort.
The Best Homemade Brownies Start with Ingredients
The secret to the best brownies lies in the quality of your ingredients. Using premium cocoa powder, whether you choose Dutch-processed for a smoother, darker chocolate flavor or natural unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic taste will make a noticeable difference in your brownies. Real butter, rather than margarine or oil substitutes, gives your brownies a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Don’t forget the chocolate chips: opt for high-quality semisweet or dark chocolate chips to add bursts of concentrated chocolate and a satisfying texture to every bite. When you use the best ingredients in your brownie recipe, you’ll create homemade brownies that are deeply chocolatey and sure to satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings. For even more chocolate intensity, try adding extra chocolate chips either in the batter or sprinkled on top after baking. You can also experiment with white chocolate chips as a variation or in addition to traditional chocolate chips for a unique twist.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Brownies
Let’s make a batch of these delicious and fudgy homemade chocolate chip brownies. This is an easy recipe for scrumptious brownies—simple, quick, and perfect for anyone who wants homemade brownies with minimal effort. Follow along here for step-by-step directions, complete with pictures. If you prefer, hop down to the printable recipe card.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Baking Time: 35 mins
Equipment: 9x13 inch glass baking dish, mixing bowl, measuring cups
Chocolate Brownies Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make the best brownies ever!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 ¼ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 12 ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks, divided
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat interior of pan with nonstick baking spray or line with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sugar and stir well. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, just until the mixture begins to simmer (do not allow the mixture to come to a full simmer). Remove from the heat and set aside.
Using an electric mixer to beat together the eggs, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth. Add the butter and sugar mixture and mix well.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture and hand stir until well mixed. (Don't use electric mixer, as overmixing can lead to tough brownies.)
Reserve ½ cup of the chocolate chips. Stir the rest of the chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of chocolate chips over the top of the batter.
Place the chocolate brownies in preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the edges are set. When the brownies are ready, a toothpick inserted into the center will come out with a bit of moist crumb on it, but not be coated with wet brownie batter. If it pulls out clean they are overbaked.
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan for the best texture, then cut and serve.
Tips for Cutting Brownies
Cutting brownies can be tricky, I think we have all made a mess of them at some point, but these tips will help you cut brownies cleanly.
First off make sure the brownies are cool completely before slicing and coat the baking pan with baking spray for easy release.
Using a sharp knife is important when cutting chocolate chip brownies. Wiping the knife down between cuts also keeps things tidy.
For a 9x13 pan like we have here, slice into 6 sections the long way, then make a single cut across the other direction for a dozen large brownies or 3 cuts across that direction for 24 small brownies.
Understanding the Brownie Batter
A perfect brownie starts with a well-made brownie batter. The magic happens when sugar, eggs, and flour come together to form the structure of your brownies, while cocoa powder and chocolate chips infuse every bite with rich chocolate flavor and moisture. Different brownie recipes yield different textures, but this fudgy homemade brownie recipe is designed for maximum chewiness and intense chocolate flavor. It’s important to follow the brownie recipe closely, measuring ingredients accurately and mixing just until combined. Overmixing the batter or too much flour can lead to tough, cakey brownies instead of the fudgy texture everyone loves. By understanding how each ingredient works together, you’ll be able to create a smooth, glossy batter that bakes up into brownies with the ideal balance of chewiness and chocolatey goodness.
Variations on the Recipe
Change the recipe up a bit and make it your own with add-ins to the brownies.
- When you add chocolate chips toss in some chopped walnuts as well. The chopped nuts will add crunch and flavor.
- Swap the dark chocolate chips for white chocolate or milk chocolate chips.
- For an extra decadent treat, add Oreos or other indulgent mix-ins such as peanut butter chips or caramel bits to the batter.
- While I prefer to use melted butter, results will still be good if you opt to use a vegetable oil, avocado oil or canola oil instead.
- Make the recipe gluten-free, by swapping out the standard flour for a gluten free variety.
- Substitute part or all of the sugar with brown sugar for extra moisture, sweetness, and a fudgier texture.
- Use natural cocoa powder for a classic, rich chocolate flavor, or try Dutch processed cocoa powder for a smoother, deeper chocolate profile.
- Add an extra egg yolk for a chewier, fudgier brownie.
Serving
While you can of course chomp right on one of these chocolate chip brownies as is, they can also be transformed into any amazing dessert to end a special meal with.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and a drizzle of hot fudge or caramel sauce on top of the fudgy brownie and you now have a swoon-worthy dessert! This is an especially delightful way to serve warm brownies...OMG!
Store Brownies
Once the chocolate chip brownies have cooled completely they can be sealed in an airtight container to eat later. The brownies will stay fresh 3-4 days at room temperature in an airtight container and up to a week in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze chocolate chip brownies. Wrap cooled brownies individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. The brownies can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.
Sharing and Gifting Brownies
Chocolate chip brownies aren’t just a delicious treat for yourself, they also make wonderful gifts for friends, family, and coworkers. They travel well, and their rich chocolate flavor is sure to brighten anyone’s day. To share your chocolate chip brownies, simply cut them into neat squares or rectangles once they’ve cooled completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or parchment paper to keep them fresh and prevent sticking, then place them in a festive airtight container for easy transport. For an extra special touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar or edible glitter before packaging. Add a handwritten note or a colorful ribbon to make your gift even more personal. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to show someone you care, homemade chocolate chip brownies are a thoughtful and delicious way to spread a little joy.
You must be a chocolate lover if you are making this recipe. Why not try out my Chocolate Shortbread Cookies, Healthy Chocolate Mousse, Hot Chocolate Dip or No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips as well.
Chocolate Chip Brownies
Equipment
- 9x13 inch glass baking dish or light color metal brownie pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 ¼ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 12 ounce bag dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat interior of pan with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sugar to the melted butter and stir well. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, just until the mixture begins to simmer (do not allow the mixture to come to a full simmer). Remove from the heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the eggs, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the butter and sugar mixture and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture and stir until well mixed.
- Reserve ½ cup of the chocolate chips or chunks. Stir the rest of the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread out with a spatula. Add remaining chocolate chips, by sprinkling over the top of the batter.
- Place the chocolate brownies in preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the edges are set. When the brownies are ready, a toothpick inserted into the center will come out with a bit of moist crumb on it, but not be coated with wet brownie batter. If it pulls out clean they are overbaked.
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure the best chewy texture. Allowing the brownies cool fully also helps maintain their moist crumbs and chewy texture.
Dina says
Omg! These were the best brownies I've ever made.
Gina says
This recipe was soooo good 👍
Julian says
This was my first time making brownies without a brownie mix and they were fantastic! Thanks for the recipe.
Lynn Bolton says
To make the brownies a little healthier I made a few small changes to the ingredients. I swapped half the butter in the recipe for olive oil and used whole wheat flour. They still came out delicious!
Robin Gagnon says
Thank you for sharing your adjustments to the recipe. They may be helpful to others trying to do the same.
Deborah says
I have made a lot of brownies in my day but these are the best .